Data transmission responsive to synchronization signal

ABSTRACT

Method and apparatus for transmitting well logging data containing a plurality of functions relating to a plurality of parameters measured by a downhole tool in a borehole penetrating subterranean formations, characterized by transmitting the respective functions, unaltered by surface equipment, on a line sharing basis over a monoline cable in response to a synchronization signal such as formed by a frequency-type signal having at least repetitive pulses of a given polarity from a depth measuring device; and receiving and discriminating the respective functions at a point spaced from the point of transmission in response to a slave synchronization signal that retains the functions synchronized with the sequence of transmission. The raw data at the received location exactly duplicates the raw data logged and eliminates any data being lost through operator error at the well site. Both broader and more specific embodiments and apparatus are also disclosed.

ilnite States ?atent Bennett [541 DATA SSSKON RESPONSIVE TOSYNCI-RONIZATION SIGNAL Primary Examiner- Benjamin A. Borchelt AssistantExaminer-N. Moskowitz Attorney-Wofiord and Felsman 27 SURFACE lei]EQUIPMENT 57] ABSTRACT Method and apparatus for transmitting welllogging data containing a plurality of functions relating to a pluralityof parameters measured by a downhole tool in a borehole penetratingsubterranean formations, characterized by transmitting the respectivefunctions,

unaltered by surface equipment, on a line sharing basis over a monolinecable in response to a synchronization signal such as formed by afrequencytype signal having at least repetitive pulses of a givenpolarity from a depth measuring device; and receiving and discriminatingthe respective functions at a point spaced from the point oftransmission in response to a slave synchronization signal that retainsthe functions synchronized with the sequence of transmission. The rawdata at the received location exactly duplicates the raw data logged andeliminates any data being lost through operator error at the well site.Both broader and more specific embodiments and apparatus are alsodisclosed.

19 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures SENDING 5/ UNIT. RECORDER ON LOCATION ATwsu. a5 7 5997 SURFACE RECEIVING EQUIPMENT i unn- RECORDER AT CENTRALOFFICE PAIENIEUAPR I 01975 727,

SHEET 1 OF 4 27 SURFACE l SENDING f EQUIPMENT UNIT RECORDER 29 45 ONLOCATION AT WELL 5 57 5 9 65 SURFACE RECEIVING EQUIPMENT I UNIT RECORDER2, 1 AT CENTRALOFFICE I47 /5/ I55 DEPTH SIGNAL A A NAND CATEJQ m NANDCATEQZ um WMJW ATTORNEYS DATA TRANSMISSION RESPONSIVE TO SYNCHRONIZATIONSIGNAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention Thisinvention pertains to transmission of well logging data in a specificaspect; and to the general transmission of data in a broad aspect. Moreparticularly, it pertains to transmission of data employing an analogsignal in the form of frequency-type signals having at least repetitivepulses of a given polarity.

2. Description of the Prior Art It is known to transmit a plurality offunctions related to a plurality of parameters over a single conductorsuch as a monoline cable. The functions have been sent by a variety oftechniques. For example, the functions have been modulated onto carriersand different carriers imposed on the same line, with doubledemodulation carried out at the reception point. The functions have beenchanged to analog voltages which have been binary coded and sent incombination with codes for the respective parameters, with decoding by asorting means at the reception point. The respective parameter-measuringdevices downhole have been switched onto the conductor by downholeswitches responsive to BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is aschematic illustration of one embodiment of the invention in which welllogging data is transmitted in response to a synchronization signal froma depth measuring apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an electrical circuit employed inone embodiment of the invention for transmitting two functions from afirst point to a receiving point remote therefrom.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of signals and conditions forelements illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of an electrical circuit employed inanother embodiment of the invention for transmitting four functions overa monoline cable and receiving and discriminating the respective fourfunctions at a point remote therefrom.

a device; such as, an acoustic transmitter; to effect a time-sharingarrangement. While the prior art systems have been useful in theenvironment in which they were employed, they have suffered fromlimitations in 'at-' tempting to provide reliable well logginginformation at the surface at the well site and simultaneously at thehome office remote from the well site, since the data, or functions,were almost universally operated upon by surface equipment at the wellsite. Because the raw functions were operated upon by the surfaceequipment that was controlled by the operator at the well site, theywere subject to variance in quality, depending on the skill of theoperator. It was possible to lose data due to a mistake or aninadvertent error on the part of the operator. In addition,sophisticated equipment and circuitry was frequently required in thedownhole tool and its operation was difficult to maintain in the nearlyperfect operating condition required. Moreover, the approach offeredheretofore was essentially a purely time sharing approach in which thefunctions were transmitted for equal intervals of time. In order thatthe lowest frequency information could be sampled and transmitted inthis interval of time, the intervals were unnecessarily long for some ofthe high frequency information. The cycles were correspondinglyunnecessarily long.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to transmit a pluralityof functions over a single conductor in response to a synchronizationsignal that can be employed to effect transmission intervals of variablelengths of time for transmitting functions of various frequencies.

It is a particular object of this invention to transmit raw well loggingdata in response to a synchronization signal such that the received datacan be replayed with the requisite adjustments in gain control topreserve all of the information originally contained therein withoutregard to operator error at the well site. Other objects and advantagesof the invention will become apparent from the description and drawingshereinafter.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of the signals and conditions ofthe respective elements during one cycle of transmission in theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of an electrical circuit employing amodified decimal, or ring, arrangement having approximately equal timeintervals for transmission of respective functions in another embodimentof the invention.

FIG. '7 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the inventionemploying a variable oscillator means to effect a clocking input signal.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIG. I, there isillustrated a borehole logging tool 11 being employed to logsubterranean formations I3 through which well 15 penetrates. To get thetool into the well, a conventional christmas tree 17 and lubricator 19are employed. Well 15 will ordinarily have casing 21 to a greater orlesser depth, cemented into the wellbore in conventional fashion.Logging tool 11 is ordinarily suspended by a cable 23 connecting it withsurface equipment 25, and cable 23 is lowered into well 15 over a depthmeasuring sheave 27. Depth measuring sheave 27 is connected with a depthfunction generating means 29 which generates a function related todepth. Herein depth function generating means 29 comprises an oscillatorwhich generates a' frequency-type output signal having a series ofpulses of a given polarity.

Similarly, the respective instruments in logging tool 11 afford afunction in the form of a frequency-type signal having at least pulsesof a given polarity whose frequency varies in response to variation ofdata regarding the given parameter being measured in the well. Forexample, a neutron logging apparatus 31 may emit neutrons into theformation and measure capture gamma rays emitted by the formation inresponse to the neutron bombardment. In this event, the capture gammarays may be measured by a photomultiplier tube and the function will bea series of pulses counting the quanta of light emitted in response tothe gamma rays. Or a gamma ray logging apparatus may bombard theformation with gamma rays and measure the gamma rays backscattered intothe tool. Again the output function is a collection of pulsesrepresenting counts from the photomultiplier tube counting the gammarays backscattered into the tool. Other measurements can be made toeffect a frequency-type signal. For example, a temperature measuringapparatus 35 may have an oscillator signal whose frequency is altered bytemperature in downhole tool 11. Where a complete frequency signal isgiven, it may be rectified to afford only pulses of a given polarity.Such pulses are preferable since they readily enable employing bothpositive and negative polarity functions.

Cable 23 is preferably a monoline cable with which the respectiveinstruments in downhole tool iii are alternately connected fortransmitting their respective functions to surface equipment 25.Conventional downhole switching may be employed in section 37 of toolill toeffect the respective connections of the downhole measuringapparatus with cable 23. Alternatively, cable 23 may comprise coaxialcable containing a multiplicity of conductors to directly connect eachrespective downhole measuring apparatus with surface equipment 25.

in any event, the raw data from the downhole measuring apparatus in tool1 i is sent via conductors 39, 511 and 43 to sending unit 45 before thedata is operated upon by the surface equipment. The output from depthfunction generating means 29 is also sent via conductor 47 to sendingunit 45.

Ordinarily, the data is also operated upon by surface equipment and thefunctions sent to a recorder; such as, strip chart recorder 49. Stripchart recorder 49 is moved in response to the function from depthfunction generating means 29 to afford a display of the respectivefunctions being measured on the chart moved in proportion to depthmovement of the downhole tool 11. The record obtained in the form ofastrip chart in the logging truck on location at the well is thus subjectto the vagaries of the operator and will reflect any errors made by theoperator. On the other hand, the data sent to sending unit 45 will notbe subject to these errors as discussed in more detail hereinafter.

Thus, in sending unit 45 conductors 39, 4E and 433, ultimately connectedwith respective downhole measuring apparatus serve as a plurality ofinput means. Each are connected for providing a function related torespective data concerning a given parameter measured by its associateddownhole measuring apparatus. Sending unit 45 also includes a pluralityof transmitting gating means connected respectively with one of theinput means and operable into a first condition for gating through afunction from the one of the input means and into a second condition forblocking the function from the one of the input means in response to afrequency-type synchronization signal having at least repetitive pulsesof a given polarity. The function related to depth from depth functiongenerating means 29 via conductor 47 serves as a clocking input meansfor effecting the synchronization signal. Sending unit 45 also hasclocking flip-flop means connected with the transmitting gating meansand with the clocking input means so as to render respective ones of thetransmitting gating means in the first condition in response to thesynchronization signal and in sequence to complete a cycle. Sending unit45 also contains an inverter amplifier means for inverting andamplifying a synchronization signal and a synchronization gating meansconnected at least with the clocking flip-flop means at the terminalthat changes its state of electrical charge no more often than any otherand with the inverter amplifier for sending a master synchronizationsignal after a complete cycle. Sending unit d5 also includes anamplifier means connected with the gating means for transmitting thesignals gated therethrough.

The resulting functions and signals are transmitted via communicationslink, illustrated as conductor 51. if desired, recording means; such as,tape recorder 53; may be connected with conductor 51 to preserve arecord of the transmitted functions and signals at the location at thewell. The recorded functions and signals facilitate playback'throughsurface equipment 25 to obtain a corrected record at the well site onstrip chart recorder 49 if part of the logging data was lost due to theabove referred to errors by the operator.

At a location spaced from, but in communication with the sending unit;for example, at a central office; a receiving unit 55 is connected viaconductor 51 with sending unit 45. A second recording means; such as,tape recorder 57; can be connected with conductor 51 to preserve therecord as it is received.

Receiving unit 55 contains a discriminating means for discriminating themaster synchronization signal and a frequency increasing means forincreasing the frequency of the master synchronization signal back tothe same frequency as the synchronization signal to form aslave'synchronization signal that is synchronized withthe'synchronization signal. Receiving unit 55 also includes a pluralityof receiving gating means, each in communication with the amplifiermeans for receiving the functions and signals gated through theassociated transmitting gating means and operable into a first conditionfor gating through the function from the associated transmitting gatingmeans and to a second condition for blocking the function in response tothe slave synchronization signal. Receiving unit 55 also includesclocking flip-flop means connected with the receiving gating means so asto render respective ones of the receiving gating means in the firstcondition in response to the slave synchronization signal and in thesame sequence as the transmitting gating means associated with therespective functions. A plurality of output means are each connectedrespectiveiy with one of the receiving gating means for duplicating theoriginal data. Specifically, conductors 59, 6E, and 63 may be connectedwith respective channels in surface equipment 65 and connected with penson a strip chart recorder 67 to obtain a strip chart that duplicates theone on location at the well if the one on location at the well has noerrors. The strip chart recorder 67 is also connected via conductor 6'9with receiving unit 55 and the strip chart thereon, is moved in responseto the slave synchronization signal, which is equivalent to the depthsignal.

operationally, logging tool 11 is moved along the longitudinal axis ofwell logging the subterranean formations. Depth signal from depthfunction generating means 29 forms a clocking input. After apredetermined number of pulses completes a predetermined cycle, a mastersynchronization signal is generated and transmitted for use as areference point. The master synchronization signal is inverted andamplified to facilitate its discrimination and serves as a basis againstwhich to synchronize the other functions. Employing the depth signal,sending unit 45 transmits a first function related to a first parameterbefore that function is operated on by surface equipment, in response toa first condition effected by the frequency-type depth signal. Thetransmission of the first function is interrupted and a second functionrelating to a second parameter is transmitted in response to a secondcondition effected by the frequency-type depth signal. Transmission ofthe second function is stopped and if other functions are to betransmitted, they are sequentially transmitted to effect a predeterminedcycle. After a complete cycle, the master synchronization signal isinverted and amplified and the steps repeated.

At the central office, where receiving unit 55 is located, the mastersynchronization signals are received, recorded, discriminated and theirfrequency returned to the original frequency of the frequencytype depthsignal from the depth measuring means to form a slave depth signal thatis synchronized with the depth signal. The first function is receivedand recorded in response to the first condition effected by the slavedepth signal in synchronization with the first condition effected by thedepth signal. Thereafter, the receiving and recording of the firstfunction is discontinued and the second function is received andrecorded in response to the second condition effected by the slave depthsignal in synchronization with the second condition effected by thedepth signal. Thereafter, the receiving and recording of the secondfunction is discontinued and other functions, if being transmitted, maybe received to complete a cycle. A plurality of cycles are ordinarilyemployed.

FIG. 2 illustrates schematically an electrical circuit for transmittingtwo functions from a plurality of input means. The functions may be theoutput from a neutron logging apparatus 31 or a gamma ray loggingapparatus 33. On the other hand, any two variables could be employed.For example, temperature and caliper information could be switched ontoand serve as the plurality of input means for conductors 39 and 41. Inany event, the input means are connected, respectively, with inverteramplifiers 71 and 73 for inversion and amplification of the respectivefunctions. The respective inverter amplifiers are connected viaconductors 75 and 77 to one input terminal each of NAND gates 79 and 81.NAND gates 79 and $1 operate, as do NAND gates generally, in the oncondition to conduct a function onward if a true signal, otherwisereferred to as a unit signal, exists at only one input terminal and notat both input terminals. NAND gates are but one of at least four typesof logic circuits that could be readily employed. Other logic circuitsthat could be satisfactorily employed and AND gates, OR gates, and NORgates. Alteration of the arrangement of logic described hereinafter withrespect to NAND gates to enable employing one of the other logic circuitgates is well known and need not be described in detail herein.

The depth function generating means 29 is connected via cable 47 toclocking flip-flop 83. The upper and lower terminals of clockingflip-flop 83 are connected, respectively, with the other input terminalsof NAND gates 79 and 81, as illustrated, via conductors 85 and 87. Therespective outputs of NAND gates 79 and 81 on conductors 97 and 99 areconnected to the input terminals of NAND gate 101 for isolation fromeach other. NAND gate 101, moreover, prevents simultaneous transmissionof both functions even if one of the NAND gates should operateimproperly, since it blocks if signals are impressed simultaneously ontoboth conductors 97 and 9?. This ensures that only one function istransmitted at a time. Output terminal of NAND gate 101 is connected viaconductor 103 to amplifier, or driver, 105.

The depth function generating means 2 9 is also connected to inverteramplifier 89 for inversion and amplification of the frequency-type depthsignal generated; and, thence, via conductor 91 to one input terminal ofNAND gate 93. The other terminal of NAND gate 93 is connected viaconductor 95 with conductor 87 from the lower output terminal ofclocking flip-flop 83 for generating at each second pulse of the depthfunction, or signal, a master synchronization signal. The outputterminal of NAND gate 93 is connected to inverter amplifier 107 forinversion and amplification of the master synchronization signal.Inverter amplifier 107 is connected via conductor 109 to amplifier 105.

Tape recorders 53 and 57 are shown in dotted lines connected withconductor 51, since they may be provided if desired, at both thetransmitting and receiving locations.

At the receiving location, conductor 51 is connected to double inverteramplifiers 111 and 113 for large amplification of the weak functions andsignals being transmitted over conductor 51. Diode means 115 isconnected via conductor 117 with inverter amplifier 113 so as todiscriminate and pass the master synchronization signal. Diode means 115is connected via conductor 119 with a frequency increasing means; suchas, frequency doubler 121. Frequency doubler 121 is provided forincreasing the frequency of the master synchronization signal back tothe frequency of the original depth signal and has its output terminalconnected via conductor 123 with clocking flip-flop 12$. Conductor 119is also connected via conductor 126 with the reset contact of clockingflip-flop to force it into synchronization with the mastersynchronization signal regardless of whether or not the frequencydoubler may have missed a portion of a cycle.

NAND gates 127 and 129 are connected with the respective outputterminals of clocking flip-flop 125 via conductors 131 and 133. NANDgates 127 and 12% are also connected with conductor 117 via conductors135 and 137 and diode means 139 and 141. Thus, NAND gates 127 and 129will be rendered oppositely and alternately conductive and nonconductiveby clocking flip-flop 125 to gate respective functions therethrough.NAND gates 127 and 129 are connected with the conventional surfaceequipment 65 via conductors 59 and 61 and via inverter amplifiers 143and 1415. The respective parameters may be displayed, as describedhereinbefore on strip chart recorder 67 being moved in response to slavedepth signal via conductor 69.

P16. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of the interrelationship betweenpulses of the depth signal or, as illustrated in dashed lines, anoscillator means, affording a clocking input and the times NAND gates 79and 81 of FIG. 2 transmit their respective functions and the resultingoutput signal.

The operation of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 is indicated bythe output signals illustrated in FIG. 3. Therein, for example, a firstpulse from depth function generating means 29 via conductor 47 effects aunit signal on the lower output terminal of clocking flip-flop 83 and onconductor 87, thereby blocking transmission of the gamma informationthrough NAND gate 81. On the other hand, a zero signal is sent to theinput terminal of NAND gate 79 and effects conduction of the neutron logdata through NAND gate 79. As illustrated in FIG. 3, in response to thefirst pulse 147, NAND gate 79 is rendered conductive, shown by an on",or unit, signal and NAND gate 81 is rendered nonconductive as shown byan off, or zero, signal. As indicated, the first half of the cycle onthe output signal 149 is a function related to data from the neutronlogging apparatus. On the second pulse 151 from the depth functiongenerating means, NAND gate '79 is turned off, or renderednonconductive, and NAND gate 81 is turned on, or rendered conductive, topass for transmission as output signal on conductor 51, a secondfunction 153 related to data from the gamma logging apparatus. Thealternating functions are conducted through NAND gate 101, amplified byamplifier 105 and transmitted to the receiving location. Every seconddepth pulse; such as, pulses 147 and 155; are inverted and amplified toform a master synchronization signal 157 of opposite polarity from thefunctions related to the respective parameters.

At the receiving location, the master synchronization signals areamplified and passed through diode means 115. They are doubled infrequency by frequency doubler 121 and sent to flip-flop 125. The mastersynchronization signals are also sent as a direct reset to clockingflip-flop 125 and prevent any variation or error such as obtaining thewrong function on the wrong output means. Clocking flip-flop 125oppositely, alternately and synchronously turns on NAND gates 127 and129 to conduct the function related to the neutron measuring apparatusthrough conductor 59 and the function related to the gamma measuringapparatus through conductor 61 and the respective inverter amplifiers143 and 145. Surface equipment 65 is employed to convert the receivedfunctions into more appropriate analog signals; that are, in turn, sentto strip chart recorder 67 to operate the respective pens thereon. Stripchart recorder 67 is moved in response to slave depth signal from thefrequency doubler 121 that is synchronized with the depth signal fromthe depth function generating means 29. Accordingly, the strip chartfrom strip chart recorder 67 duplicates a correct strip chart at thetransmitting location. On the other hand, it can be corrected byadjusting gain controls and the like on surface equipment 65 to correcta condition causing loss of data on a strip chart at the well site. Thereceived data recorded on tape recorder 57 can be replayed withappropriate adjustments to effect a very nearly perfect strip chartwhich preserves all of the data originally present in the functions.

FIG. 4 illustrates schematically an electrical circuit for transmittingfour functions within a cycle and a fifth function as thesynchronization signal. As indicated hereinbefore, the functions may beany functions having a frequency-type signal; such as, the output from adownhole logging tool incorporating apparatus for measuring variousparameters of the subterranean formation through which the logging toolis passed. For example, cable 23 may connect the four parametermeasuringapparatus, serving as input means with surface equipment 25 forsupplying the respective functions thereto; while oscillator means; suchas, the depth function generating means 29; serves as the clocking inputmeans. The input means are connected, respectively, with inverteramplifiers 71, 73, 159, and 161 for inversion and amplification of therespective functions. The inverter amplifiers are connected,respectively, via conductors 75, 77, 163, and 165 to one input terminaleach of NAND gates 79,81, 167 and 169.

The depth function generating means 29 is connected via cable 417 toclocking flip-flop 83. The upper terminal of clocking flip-flop 83 isconnected via conductor 85 with the other terminal of NAND gate 79 foralternately rendering NAND gate 79 conductive and nonconductive.Clocking flip-flop 83 is also connected, via its upper output terminaland conductor 171 with the input terminal of a second clocking flip-flop173.

Clocking flip-flop 173 is connected via its upper output terminal andconductor 175 with the other input terminal of NAND gate 81 toalternately render NAND gate 81 conductive and nonconductive. Clockingflipflop 173 is also connected via its lower output terminal andconductor 177 with NAND gate 179 for alternately rendering NAND gate 179nonconductive and conductive, out of phase with NAND gate 81.

The output terminal of NAND gate 79 is connected with the other inputterminal of NAND gate 179 for blocking or effecting further conductiontherethrough of the associated function conducted through NAND gate 79and NAND gate 179 is rendered conductive. The upper output terminal ofclocking flip-flop 173 is also connected via conductor 181 with theinput terminal of clocking flip-flop 183.

Clocking flip-flop 183 is connected, in a manner similar to that justdescribed with respect to clocking flip-flop 173, via its upper outputterminal with one input terminal of NAND gate 167 for rendering NANDgate 167 alternately conductive and nonconductive and with the inputterminal of clocking flip-flop 185. Likewise, clocking flip-flop 183 isconnected via its lower output terminal and conductor 137 with NANDgates 189 and 191 for alternately rendering them nonconductive andconductive, out of phase with NAND gate 167.

The output terminal of NAND gate 81 is connected to the other inputterminal of WAND gate 189 and the output terminal of NAND gate 179 isconnected to the other input terminal of NAND gate 191 for eitherblocking or effecting further conduction therethrough of the respectiveassociated functions conducted through either NAND gate 81 or NAND gate179.

Similarly, clocking flip-flop is connected via its upper output terminaland conductor 193 with one input terminal of NAND gate 169 foralternately rendering NAND gate 169 conductive and nonconductive.Clocking flip-flop 185 is connected via its lower output terminal andconductor 195 with NAND gates 197, 199, and 2111 for rendering themalternately nonconductive and conductive, out of phase with NAND gate169.

The output terminal of NAND gate 167 is connected to the other inputterminal of NAND gate 197 and the output terminals of NAND gates 18 9and 191 are connected respectively to the other input terminals of NANDgates 199 and 201 for blocking or effecting further conductiontherethrough of the respective associated functions conducted throughNAND gates 167,189, and 191.

The output terminals of NAND gates 169, 197, 199, and 201 are connectedvia their respective conductors with amplifier 105 for transmission to areceiving location.

To ensure that the respective functions are synchronized a direct resetsignal is provided in response to the master synchronization signal tooverride all other elements in thesystem and effect a reset of allgating means to a starting position for a new cycle. In this way,jumbling of the functions through inadvertent missing of a pulse in theclocking input signal is prevented. Specifically, the upper outputterminals of clocking flip-flops 83, 173, 183, and 185 are connected viaconductors 203, 205, 207'and 209 with NAND gates 211, 213, 215, and 217.The output terminals of the NAND gates 211, 213, 215, and 217 aresuitably joined via conductors and diode means 219 as illustrated andconnected via feedback conductor 221 to their other respective inputterminals for inhibiting-a master synchronization signal until theoutputs from all of the respective clocking flip-flops have a commonFeedback conductor 221 is connected with inverter amplifier 223 forinversion, amplification and transmission of the master synchronizationsignal via conductor 225 to the receiving location. Although notordinarily necessary, if desired, at the transmitting location themaster synchronization conductor 225' may be connected via conductor 227with inverter amplifier 229 and subsequently with the reset terminals,via conductors 231, 233, 235, and 237, of clocking flip-flops 83, 173,183, and 185 to ensure synchronizing all clocking flip-flops to begin anew cycle simultaneously.

Conductor 225 is also connected with conductor 51 which ultimatelyconnects with the receiving location. At the receiving location,conductor 51 is connected to serially connected, double inverteramplifiers 111 and 113 for large amplification of the weak functions andsignals being transmitted over conductor 51. Diode means 115 isconnected via conductor 117 with inverter amplifier 113 so as todiscriminate and pass the master synchronization signal. Diode means 115is connected via conductor 119 with frequency increasing means; such as,multiplier 239; which multiplies the synchronization signal by a factorof 16 to increase it back to the original frequency from clocking inputmeans 29.

Conductor 119 is also connected via conductor 241 and inverter amplifier243 and conductors 245, 247, 249, and 251 with the reset terminals ofclocking flipflops 253, 255, 257, and 259 for providing a direct resetfunction that overrides all other signals and synchronizes all theclocking flip-flops to begin a new cycle.

Multiplier 239, for forming a slave synchronization signal that issynchronized to the synchronization signal from clocking input means 29,is connected via conductor 261 with clocking flip-flop 253 for supplyinga slave clocking input signal. if desired, it also may be connected viaconductor 263 for driving a strip chart recorder 67. The interconnectionof the clocking flipflops and the respective NAND gates is inverse tothat at the transmitting location. Specifically, clocking flipflop 253is connected via its upper terminal with NAND gate 127 for alternatelyrendering NAND gate 127 conductive and nonconductive. Clocking flip-flop253 is also connected via its upper terminal with the input terminal ofclocking flip-flop 255.

Clocking flip-flop 255 is connected via its upper terminal and conductor277 with one input terminal of NAND gate 279 for alternately renderingNAND gate 279 conductive and nonconductive. Clocking flip-flop 255 isalso connected via its lower terminal and conductor 281 with one inputterminal of NAND gate 283, for alternately rendering NAND gate 283nonconductive and conductive, out of phase with NAND gate 279.

The output terminal of NAND gate 283 is connected to the other inputterminal of NAND gate 127. The output terminal of NAND gate 127 isconnected with surface equipment 65 via conductor 59 and inverteramplifier 143.

Clocking flip-flop 255 is also connected via its upper terminal andconductor 291 with the input terminal of clocking flip-flop 257.Clocking flip-flop 257 is connected via its upper terminal and conductor293 with one input terminal of NAND gate 297 for alternately renderingNAND gate 297 conductive and nonconductive. Clocking flip-flop 257 isconnected via its lower terminal and conductor 299 with one inputterminal each of NAND gates 285 and 301 for alternately rendering themnonconductive and conductive, out of phase with NAND gate 297.

The output terminal of NAND gate 285 is connected via conductor 2% withthe other input terminal of NAND gate 283.

The output terminal of NAND gate 301 is connected via conductor 303 withthe other input terminal of NAND gate 279. The output terminal of NANDgate 279 is connected with surface equipment 65 via conductor 287 andinverter amplifier 239.

Clocking flip-flop 257 is also connected via its upper terminal andconductor 309 with the input terminal of clocking flip-flop 259.Clocking flip-flop 259 is connected via its upper terminal and conductor311 with one input terminal of NAND gate 313 for alternately renderingNAND gate 313 conductive and nonconductive. Clocking flip-flop 259 isconnected via its lower terminal with one input terminal on each of NANDgates 129, 265, and 267, for rendering them alternately nonconductiveand conductive, out of phase with NAND gate 313. The other inputterminals of NAND gates 313, 129, 265, and 267 are also connected withconductor 117 via conductors 135, 137, 269, and 271 and diode means 139,1411, 273, and 275. Thus NAND gate 313 will be rendered conductive atthe same time NAND gates 129, 265 and 267 are rendered nonconductive.

The output terminal of NAND gate 129 is connected via conductor 315 withthe other input of NAND gate 297. The output terminal of NAND gate 297is connected with surface equipment 65 via conductor 305 and inverteramplifier 307.

The output terminal of NAND gate 313 is connected with surface equipment65 via conductor 317 and inverter amplifier 319.

Thus, it can be seen that respectivepaths for the respective functionscan be tracedfrom common incoming conductor 117 to surface equipment 65.For example, a complete path can be traced via diode means 139, NANDgate 313 and inverter amplifier 319 for one function;.a second path canbe traced serially via diode means 141, NAND gates 129 and 297, andinverter amplifier 307 for a second function; a third path can be tracedvia diode means 273, NAND gates 265, 301 and 279, and inverter amplifier289 for a third function; and a path can be traced via diode means 275,NAND gates 267, 285, 283, and 127 and inverter amplifier 143 for afourth function. The fifth function, employed as the synchronizationsignal may be used to advance a strip chart on a strip chart recorderand need not be conveyed to surface equipment 65.

Surface equipment 65 is connected with strip chart recorder 67 viaconductors 321 for recording the various parameters on the strip chartbeing moved in response to slave depth signal via conductor 263.

Recorders 57 are shown in dashed lines connected with conductor 117 andwith the respective conductors to surface equipment 65 simply toillustrate that the recorders may be employed to record the entireincoming signals and functions for replay through the entire apparatusor they may be employed to record the func-,

tions individually. If recorded individually, the functions aresynchronized with the slave synchronization signal or with the mastersynchronization signal to effect a correlation with depth, or otherparameter being employed as the synchronization signal.

The operation of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 is indicated bythe output signals illustrated in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a diagrammaticrepresentation of the interrelationship between the clocking inputsignal; indicated as osc for oscillating signal from a masteroscillator, or in dashed lines as pulses from depth function generatingmeans 29 when the logging tool is being moved uniformly along theborehole. Each pulse of the clocking input signal effects a change on agiven output terminal of clocking flip-flop 83 from a first condition toa second condition and is translated into alternately rendering NANDgate 79 conductive and nonconductive, as indicated herein. Every twopulses the output from clocking flip-flop 83 effects a change on a givenoutput terminal of clocking flip-flop 173 from a first condition to asecond condition. Similarly, every two changes in condition of theoutput terminal of clocking flip-flop 173, or every four pulses of thesynchronization signal, effects a change on a given output terminal ofclocking flip-flop 183 from a first condition to a second condition.Every two changes of condition on a given output terminal of clockingflip-flop 183, or every eight pulses of the synchronization signal,effects a change on a given output terminal of clocking flipflop 185from a first condition to a second condition. The trace FF represents bya unit signal or a zero signal the on and of conditions, as effected byclocking flip-flop 83, when NAND gate 79, as well as NAND gate 127 inthe receiving unit 55, is rendered capable of conducting therethrough,referred to simply as being conductive, of its associated function f.,or for blocking its function f,,. Similarly, the trace labeled FFrepresents the on condition when NAND gate 81, as well as NAND gate 279in the receiving unit, is conductive for passing its associated functionf and when NAND gates 179 and NAND gate 283 in the receiving unit 55block any functions that might be conducted through respective upstreamNAND gates 79 and 285; and the off condition when NAND gates 81 and 279block their associated function f;, and when NAND gates 179 and 283conduct onward any functions conducted through respective NAND gates 79and 285. The trace FF represents the on condition when NAND gate 167 andNAND gate 297 in the receiving unit 55 will conduct their associatedfunction f therethrough and when NAND gates 189 and 191, and receivingNAND gates 301 and 285 will block any functions conducted via NAND gates81, 79 and 179, and receiving NAND gates 265 and 267; and the ofcondition when NAND gates 167 and 297 will block their associatedfunction f and NAND gates 189 and 191, and 301 and 285 will conducttheir respective functions therethrough. Likewise, the trace FF,represents the on condition when NAND gate 169 and receiving NAND gate313 will conduct their associated function f therethrough and when NANDgates 197, 199 and 201, and receiving NAND gates 129, 265 and 267 willblock any functions conducted respectively through NAND gates 167, 81and 189, and 79, 179, and 191 and through receiving diode means 141,273, and 275; and the off condition when NAND gates 169 and 313 willblock associated functionf, and NAND gates 197, 199, and 201 willconduct their respective associated functions therethrough and whenreceiving NAND gates 129, 265, and 267 will conduct all functionstherethrough. The transmitted signal Trans illustrates the breakdown ofthe functions and signals during one cycle and the operation of theapparatus.

Specifically, NAND gate 169 is rendered conductive by a zero signalimpressed on conductor 193. Simultaneously, a unit signal is impressedon conductor by clocking flip-flop 185, rendering nonconductive NANDgates 197, 199 and 201 effectively blocking transmission of any signaltherethrough regardless of whether or not upstream NAND gates areconductive. Thus, for effectively eight pulses of the synchronizationsignal, all other channels of communication are blocked and the channelthrough NAND gate 169 conductive for passing its associated function ftherethrough. Accordingly, the lowest frequency function f istransmitted during this interval to obtain the greatest informationcontent thereof.

On the eighth pulse, however, NAND gate 169 is rendered nonconductiveand NAND gates 197, 199 and 201 are rendered conductive. At this timeNAND gate 167 connected to the upper terminal of clocking flip-flop 183is rendered conductive, as indicated by signal FF;,, and NAND gates 189and 191 are nonconductive to block conduction of any signal by way ofeither NAND gate 79 or NAND gate 81. The second lowest frequencyfunction f, is transmitted during this part of the cycle.

On the twelfth pulse, however, NAND gate 167 is rendered nonconductiveand NAND gates 189 and 191 are rendered conductive. At this time, NANDgate 81 is rendered conductive, as indicated by trace FF Simultaneously,NAND gate 179 is rendered nonconductive to block output from NAND gate79. Thus, the

function f being conducted via inverter amplifier 73,

conductor 77 and NAND gate 81 is also passed through NAND gates 189 and199 to amplifier 105 for transmission on line 51 to the receivinglocation, just as the preceding functions f, and f were transmitted. Thefunction f is the third lowest frequency function.

On the fourteenth pulse, NAND gate 81 is rendered nonconductive and NANDgate 179 is rendered conductive. At this time, NAND gate 79 is renderedconductive so the highest frequency function f, is conducted viainverter amplifier 71, conductor 75, and NAND gates 79, 179, 191, and201 to amplifier 105 for transmission over communication link 51 to thereceiving location.

This mode of interconnection in which intervals of varying length, asmeasured by the pulses from clocking input means, are available fortransmitting functions of widely varying frequency is referred to as theripple interconnection mode, or simply the ripple mode.

At the end of the fifteenth pulse, all clocking flipflops have a commoncondition as indicated by traces FF FF FF and FF, being at zero, or off.Accordingly, a master synchronization signal is generated and byfeedback, and by inversion and amplification sent to slave all clockingflip-flops, in the receiving location and, if desired, in thetransmitting location, to the beginning of a new cycle. As indicated onthe transmitted signal of FIG. 5, the master synchronization signal isinverted, multiplied and transmitted as spike 322.

Thus, it can be seen that the respective functions are transmitted in apredetermined sequence to effect a complete cycle, the beginning and theend of which are marked by the master synchronization signal.

At the receiving location, the master synchronization signals, as wellas the respective functions, are amplified. The master synchronizationsignal is passed to diode means 115 and multiplied by multiplier 239 toform a slave synchronization signal having the same frequency as andsynchronized with the synchronization signal from the clocking inputmeans. The slave synchronization signal is sent to clocking flip-flop253. Every pulse effects a change on a given output terminal of clockingflip-flop 253 from a first condition to a second condition. Every twopulses, the output from clocking flip-flop 253 effects a change on agiven output terminal of clocking flip-flop 255 from a first conditionto a second condition. Similarly, every second change in condition ofthe given output terminal of clocking flip-flop 255, or every fourpulses of the slave synchronization signal effects a change on a givenoutput terminal of clocking flip-flop 257. Every second change ofcondition on the given output terminal of clocking flip-flop 257, orevery eight pulses of the slave synchronization signal effects a changeon a given output terminal of clocking flip-flop 259 from a firstcondition to a second condition.

Consequently, NAND gate 313 is conductive for the first eight pulses, asindicated by F F,,, FIG. 5, to transmit function f to surface equipment65 and, thence, to strip chart recorder 67, which has a strip chart thatis being moved in proportion to depth by the slave synchronizationsignal. On strip chart recorder 67, a first pen records the function fSimultaneously, NAND gates 129, 265, and 267 are nonconductive and blockconduction of any other functions onto their respective channels.

Beginning with the eighth pulse, however, NAND gate 313 is renderednonconductive and NAND gates 129, 265 and 267 are rendered conductive topass the remaining functions f f and f therethrough. At the same time,NAND gate 297 is rendered conductive to pass function f to surfaceequipment 65 and, thence, to strip chart recorder 67. On strip chartrecorder 67, a second pen records the function f on the strip chart. Onthe other hand, functions f;, and f are blocked by the renderingnonconductive of NAND gates 301 and 285.

At the twelfth pulse, NAND gate 297 is rendered nonconductive and NANDgates 301 and 285 are rendered conductive to pass functions f and ftherethrough. At the same time, NAND gate 279 is rendered conductive topass function f from NAND gate 301 to surface equipment 65 and, thence,to strip chart recorder 67. On strip chart recorder a third pen recordsthe function f;, on the strip chart. Simultaneously NAND gate 283 blocksconduction of function f,.

At the fourteenth pulse of slave synchronization signal, NAND gate 279is rendered nonconductive and NAND gate 283 is rendered conductive. Atthe same time, NAND gate 127 is rendered conductive to pass function f,to surface equipment and, thence, to strip chart recorder 67. A fourthpen records function f on the strip chart.

If desired, separate strip chart recorders can be provided to record therespective functions separately and individually on a strip chart beingmoved in response to the slave synchronization signal.

Upon receipt of the master synchronization signal,

all clocking flip-flops are reset to begin a new cycle and ensure thatthe respective functions are recorded in their predetermined orderwithin the cycle.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 illustrates how additional channelscan be incorporated into the transmitting and receiving locations, ascompared with FIG. 2, to effect transmission of as many functions asdesired.

The operation of the ripple interconnection of clocking flip-flops andNAND gates has been explained hereinbefore. In effect, the operation ofthe clocking flip-flops is as a counter in an exponential power of two.If desired, the clocking flip-flops can be interconnected to effect acounting output wherein the respective functions are transmitted thesame length of time, referred to as a decimal system. In the decimalsystem, the clocking flip-flops are connected as a ring counter toafford a predetermined sequence of equal, spaced intervals fortransmitting functions. The interconnection of the clocking flip-flopsto effect the decimal system is explained in principle in EngineeringElectronics, John D. Ryder, McGraw-Hill Book Company, New York, 1967,pages 298-304. An excellent and up to date discussion of operation oftransistorized shift registers connected as a ring counter is given inDesign and Application of Transistor Switching Circuits, TexasInstruments Electronics Series, Lewis A. Delhom, McGraw-Hill BookCompany, 1968, pages I 246-249. The same diode assembly is employed inthe decimal arrangement as in the ripple arrangement. A typicalinterconnection pattern is illustrated in FIG. 6 to effect the decimalarrangement in which a cycle is composed of equal increments fortransmitting respective functions. Therein the conductor functions arebeing transmitted via respective inverter amplifiers 71, 73, 159 and161. In the arrangement of FIG. 6 employing Motorola type 848? diodeassembly interconnected as a four stage ring counter, when a zero signalis sent to terminal 6 and a unit signal is sent to terminal 9, the zerosignal is supplied to the associated NAND gate to render it conductive;and also sent to terminal 12 of the next succeeding clocking flip-flopand the unit signal on output terminal 9 is sent via conductor 325 tothe next succeeding clocking flip-flop inlet terminal 4 to prepare thenext clocking flip-flop to respond to the next pulse on clocking inputconductor 323. In response to the next pulse the next clocking flip-flopwill generate a zero signal on its terminal 6 and a unit signal on itsterminal 9. The respective signals are passed to the associated NANDgate and the next succeeding clocking flip-flop, with the same results.On the other hand, a zero signal on terminal 9 and a unit signal onterminal6 inhibits the responsive operation of the next clockingflip-flop and prevents its changing conditions even though connectedwith clocking input conductor 323 for receipt of the next pulse.Clocking input conductor 323 may be, for example, conductor 47 fromdepth function generating means 29. As a consequence of the ringoperation, each of the respective input means are connected in sequencewith amplifier 105 for transmission to the receiving location; and aftera complete cycle has been connected, the first input means is againconnected onto the transmission line.

The master synchronization signal may be any signal from any one of theclocking flip-flops in the decimal counter arrangement.

It will be understood that any oscillator means; such as, a masteroscillator; can be employed as the clocking input means 29. Preferably,the clocking input means is related to one of the parameters which isemployed as a synchronization signal. In this way, the one additionalparameter can be transmitted without use of a separate channel totransmit the functions related thereto.

To ensure that the master oscillator that is employed in the inventionprovides repetitive pulses of a frequency low enough to enablemeaningful transmission of the functions, a variable oscillator may beemployed. FIG. 7 illustrates an adaptation of the well logging system ofFIG. 1 in which a variable oscillator 327 is employed to send theclocking input signal both to the downhole tool 11 and to the surfaceequipment 25. In this way, meaningful data incorporating functions fromthe respective parameters may be obtained regardless of the speed oflogging; and, consequently, the repetition rate from depth functiongenerating means 29. Specifically, the output from depth functiongenerating means 29 is recorded as a separate function simultaneouslywith the clocking input means from variable oscillator 327.

As indicated by dashed lines 329 and 331, strip chart recorder 49 can bedriven in response to the output from variable oscillator 327 and thedepth recorded via surface equipment 25, on the strip chart as anadditional function by a separate pen. Ordinarily, however,

it will still be advantageous to move strip chart on strip chartrecorder 49 in response to depth.

Where variable oscillator 327 is employed to secure the respectivefunctions from the downhole apparatus for measuring respectiveparameters, the synchronization signal therefrom can be employed as asynchronization signal for transmission of the functions to a receivinglocation remote therefrom. On the other hand, it may be apparent from aninspection of the strip chart recorder 49 that the signals from depthfunction generating means 29 are of low enough frequency to use as asynchronization parameter. In such instances, the output from variableoscillator 327, in the recorded data, is replaced with the output fromdepth function generating means 29 as a synchronization parameter fortransmitting to the receiving location. Thereafter the information istransmitted as described with respect to the preceding FIGS. 2 or 4,depending upon the number of functions being transmitted in a givencycle.

The materials of construction of the well logging equipment, surfaceequipment, recorders and elements within the sending and receiving unitsare complex but well known. Consequently, no further description isrequired herein.

Thus, it can be seen that the invention enables transmitting a pluralityof functions over a single conductor in response to a synchronizationsignal that may be employed to effect transmission intervals of variablelengths of relative time for transmitting parameters of variousfrequencies or, alternatively, effect transmission intervals of equallengths of relative time for transmitting functions that do not varywidely in frequency. Particularly, it can be seen that the inventionenables transmitting well logging data in response to depth signals as asynchronization signal and preserving the raw form of the well loggingdata such that the received data can be replayed with the requisiteadjustments in gain control to preserve all of the information contentoriginally present in the functions without regard to operator error atthe well site.

Although the invention and the been described with a certain degree ofparticularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has beenmade only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details ofconstruction and the combination and arrangement of parts may beresorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:

l. A method of transmitting a plurality of functions, each containingdata regarding a plurality of parameters, comprising the steps of:

a. selecting one of said parameters to serve as a synchronizationparameter;

b. converting the portion of said functions not already having thecharacteristics of a frequencytype signal having at least repetitivepulses of a given polarity to said frequency-type signal;

. at a transmitting location providing a plurality of transmittingmeans, at least one each for conducting each respective said function;effecting conduction of said transmitting gating means sequentially inresponse to clocking input pulses comprising the repetitive pulses ofsaid synchronization parameter to effect a cycle; transmitting saidfunctions conducted sequentially through respective said gating means;and generating and effecting transmission of a master synchronizationsignal of opposite polarity after a predetermined number of saidrepetitive pulses of said synchronization parameter complete each cycle;

d. at a receiving location spaced from said transmitting location,receiving said functions and signals that were transmitted from saidtransmitting location, discriminating said master synchronizationsignal, and increasing the frequency thereof back to the frequency ofsaid repetitive pulses of said synchronization parameter to form slaverepetitive pulses that are synchronized with said repetitive pulses ofsaid synchronization parameter; and

e. providing a plurality of receiving gating means, at

least one each for receiving said respective functions for saidparameters, effecting reception of said functions in each of saidreceiving gating means in the same sequence as said associatedtransmitting gating means and in response to said slave repetitivepulses;

conduction of each said gating means being effected in response to aflip-flop means that is, in turn, responsive respectively and ultimatelyto said repetitive pulses of said synchronization parameter and saidslave repetitive pulses; said flip-flop means being connected in, aripple arrangement such that it effects unequal intervals that vary asdigital exponential powers of two in terms of number of clocking inputpulses for-transmission of each of said functions, a change in conditionbeing provided on a given output terminal of each of said flip-flopmeans sequentially, the associated gating means being renderedconductive in response to said change in condition, and at least one ofsaid flip-flop means that renders conductive the associated gating meansfor conducting therethrough the associated function also simultaneouslyrendering nonconductive another gating means to block conduction ofanother function;

whereby n functions are transmitted employing n-l intervals in a cycleand received functions are separated and duplicate said originalfunctions.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein at least one of said flip-flop meansrendering conductive the associated gating means for conductiontherethrough of said associated function simultaneously rendersnonconductive a plurality of gating means thereby blocking conduction ofa plurality of other functions.

3. A method of transmitting a plurality of functions containing dataregarding a plurality of parameters, comprising:

a. providing at one location a master oscillator means that provides atleast repetitive pulses of a frequency low enough to enable meaningfultransmission of said functions and a plurality of transmitting gatingmeans, one each for transmitting respective functions, said functionsbeing related to parameters logged in a well penetrating subterraneanformations; effecting conduction of said transmitting gating meanssequentially in response to repetitive pulses from said masteroscillator means to effect a cycle and effecting transmission of amaster synchronization signal after each cycle is completed; said masteroscillator comprising a variable oscillator that provides an oscillatoroutput signal that can be varied in frequency to effect a clocking inputof various frequencies for sending downhole and effecting switching ontoa monoline cable of various apparatus measuring respective parametersdownhole; said functions being recorded at the surface with respect tosaid oscillator output signal and a depth function being simultaneouslycorrelatably recorded; and

b. establishing communication between said master oscillator, saidtransmitting gating means and a slave oscillator means and receivinggating means at a receiving location spaced from said one location;receiving, recording, and discriminating said master synchronizationsignal and maintaining said slave oscillator means synchronized withsaid master oscillator means, and effecting reception and recording ofsaid respective functions via respective ones of said receiving gatingmeans in the same sequence as said associated transmitting gating meanstransmits said functions in response to repetitive pulses from saidslave oscillator means.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein said oscillator output signal which wasemployed as a synchronization signal is replaced by said depth functionas the synchronization signal for transmission of the remainingfunctions to another location.

5. A system for transmitting over a monoline cable a plurality offunctions related to a respective plurality of parameters measured byapparatus in a downhole tool in a well penetrating subterraneanformations, comprismg:

a. a plurality of input means comprising said apparatus measuring saidparameters and each generating one of said functions related to a givenparameter; said functions that are received at the surface beingrecorded by a recording means and the function related to depth beingsimultaneously recorded by said recording means;

b. a plurality of transmitting gating means, each connected respectivelywith one of said input means and operable into a first condition forgating through a respective function and into a second condition forblocking said function in response to a frequency-type synchronizationsignal having at least repetitive pulses of a given polarity;

c. clocking flip-flop means connected with said transmitting gatingmeans so as to render respective ones of said transmitting gating meansin said first condition in response to said synchronization signal andin sequence to complete a cycle;

d. amplifier means connected with said gating means for transmitting thesignals and functions gated therethrough;

e. a plurality of receiving gating means spaced from and incommunication with said amplifier means for receiving said functionsgated through associated said transmitting gating means and operableinto a first condition for gating through said function from saidassociated transmitting gating means and into a second condition forblocking said function in response to said synchronization signal;

clocking flip-flop means connected with said receiving gating means soas to render respective ones of said receiving gating means in saidfirst condition in response to said slave synchronization signal and inthe same sequence as the transmitting gating means associated with therespective parameter;

. a plurality of output means, each connected respectively with one ofsaid receiving gating means for duplicating said original functiontransmitted from said input means downhole; and

. a variable oscillator means connected with said clocking flip-flopmeans connected with said transmitting gating means and with saidclocking flipflop means connected with said receiving gating means forproviding a synchronization signal for maintaining synchronizationtherebetween.

The system of claim wherein a recorder is connected with said monolinecable for recording pulses from said variable oscillator means and saidfunctions and with a depth function generating means for simultaneouslyrecording depth in said well; wherein there is provided a secondtransmitting means comprising:

. a depth function generating means for effecting a clocking inputsynchronization signal in response to the depth function recordedsynchronously with said functions;

clocking flip-flop means connected with said depth function generatingmeans and transmitting gating means so as to render respective ones ofsaid transmitting gating means in said first condition in response tosaid synchronization signal and in sequence to complete a cycle;

. inverter amplifier means for inverting and amplifying saidsynchronization signal;

. synchronization gating means connected at least with said clockingflip-flop means at the terminal that changes its state of electricalcharge no more often than any other and with said inverter amplifier forsending a master synchronization signal after a complete cycle;

. amplifier means connected with said gating means for transmitting thesignals and functions gated therethrough;

discriminating means spaced from but in communication with saidamplifier means for discriminating said master synchronization signal;

. frequency increasing means for increasing the frequency of said mastersynchronization signal back to the same frequency as saidsynchronization signal to form a slave synchronization signal that issynchronized with said synchronization signal;

j. a plurality of receiving gating means, each in communication withsaid amplifier means for receiving said functions and signals gatedthrough associated said transmitting gating means and operable into aZii first condition for gating through said function from saidassociated transmitting gating means and into a second condition forblocking said function from said transmitting gating means in responseto said slave synchronization signal;

. clocking flip-flop means connected with said receiving gating means soas to render respective ones of said receiving gating means in saidfirst condition in response to said slave synchronization signal and inthe same sequence as the transmitting gating means associated with therespective parameters; and

a plurality of output means, each connected respectively with one ofsaid receiving gating means for duplicating said original data.

7. A system for transmitting a plurality of functions related to arespective plurality of parameters, comprising:

. a plurality of input means, each for providing a function related to agiven parameter;

a plurality of transmitting gating means, each connected respectivelywith one of said input means and operable into a first condition forgating through a function from said one of said input means and into asecond condition for blocking said function from said one of said inputmeans in response to a frequency-type synchronization signal having atleast repetitive pulses of a given polarity;

clocking input means synchronization signal;

. clocking flip-flop means connected with said transmitting gating meansand with said clocking input means so as to render respective ones ofsaid transmitting gating means in said first condition in response tosaid synchronization signal and in sequence to complete a cycle;

. inverter amplifier means for inverting and amplifying saidsynchronization signal;

for effecting said synchronization gating means connected at least withsaid clocking flip-flop means at the terminal that changes its state ofelectrical charge no more often than any other and with said inverteramplifier for sending a master synchronization signal after a completecycle;

amplifier means connected with said gating means for transmitting thesignals gated therethrough;

h. discriminating means spaced from but in communication with saidamplifier means for discriminating said master synchronization signal;

. frequency increasing means for increasing the k. clocking flip-flopmeans connected with said receiving gating means so as to renderrespective ones of said receiving gating means in said first conditionin response to said slave synchronization signal and in the samesequence as the transmitting gating means associated with the respectiveparameters; and

l. a plurality of output means, each connected respectively with one ofsaid receiving gating means for duplicating said original functions.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein said clocking input means effects saidsynchronization signal in response to one of said functions ultimatelyrelating to one of said parameters that serves as a synchronizationparameter.

9. The system of claim 7 wherein each said clocking flip-flop means hasits output terminals connected with respective input terminals of thenext succeeding clocking flip-flop means such that it renders said nextsucceeding flip-flop means in readiness to receive and respond to apulse from said clocking input means when said each said clockingflip-flop means is rendered conductive and to inhibit said nextsucceeding clocking flip-flop means when said each said clockingflip-flop means is nonconductive; and said synchronization gating meansis connected with an output terminal of only one of said clockingflip-flop means for generating a master synchronization signal upon thechange of condition on the output terminal of said one clockingflip-flop means, whereby each of said transmitting gating means arerendered conductive sequentially and respectively and said mastersynchronization signal is generated and transmitted after a cycle iscompleted.

10. The system of claim 7 wherein said clocking flipflop means areconnected in a ripple arrangement wherein the output terminal of eachsaid clocking flipflop means connected with respectively saidtransmitting gating means and said receiving gating means is alsoconnected with the input terminal of the next suc-- ceeding clockingflip-flop means for effecting unequal intervals for transmitting saidfunctions, said intervals varying in length as digital exponentialpowers of two in terms of number of clocking input pulses, and at leastone of said clocking flip-flop means is connected to a plurality ofgating means for rendering one of said gating means alternatelyconductive and nonconductive and for rendering the remainder of thegating means to which it is connected alternately nonconductive andconductive, out of phase with one of said gating means.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein there are n input means and n outputmeans and at least one clocking flip-flop means connected with onetransmitting gating means and at least one clocking flip-flop meansconnected with one receiving gating means via one respec tive outputterminal and connected with (nl) gating means via another respectiveoutput terminal and operable to render conductive and nonconductive saidone of said respective gating means and to render nonconductive andconductive said (nl) gating means, out of phase with said one of saidrespective gating means for alternately conducting one function andblocking the (nl remaining functions and vice versa;

a second transmitting clocking flip-flop means is connected with asecond transmitting gating means and a second receiving clockingflip-flop means is connected with a second receiving gating means viaone of their respective output terminals and connected with (n2)associated gating means via another of their respective output terminalsand operable to render conductive and nonconductive respective saidsecond gating means and to render nonconductive and conductiverespective said (n-2) gating means, out of phase with said second gatingmeans for alternately conducting a second function and blocking the(n-2) remaining functions and vice versa; said respective second gatingmeans being serially connected with one of said (nl) gating means andsaid (rt-2) gating means being serially connected with the remainder ofsaid (nl gating means to effect respective series connected circuits forconducting functions from the respective input means to the respectiveoutput means.

12. The system of claim 7 wherein said clocking input means comprises adepth measuring means affording output pulses and said functions arerelated to parameters that are measured in a borehole penetratingsubterranean formations.

13. The system of claim 12 wherein each of said input means comprises ameans for generating and transmitting a function related to a givenparameter measured in said borehole and before said function is operatedon by surface equipment.

14. The system of claim 7 wherein said clocking input means comprises avariable oscillator settable to a predetermined frequency at the surfaceand wherein at least said elements a, b, d, e, f, and g are carried in adownhole tool and are employed in transmitting functions related toparameters measured in a borehole penetrating subterranean formations.

15. The system of claim 7 wherein said gating means comprises aplurality of logic circuits and said clocking flip-flop means comprisesa bistable multivibrator.

16. The system of claim 15 wherein the output terminals of each saidclocking flip-flop means connected with its associated gating means areconnected to a respective input terminal on individual logic circuitswhose output terminals are connected through diode means to a feedbackconductor; said feedback conductor being connected to the otherrespective input terminals of said individual logic circuits and to aninverter amplifier for generation, inversion, amplification andtransmission of a master synchronization signal.

17. The system of claim '7 wherein there are two input means and a cyclecomprises functions related to two parameters.

18. The system of claim 17 wherein said input means comprise means in adownhole tool for measuring parameter relatedto absorption andbackscatter of gamma rays and to absorption of neutrons and gamma raysemitted in response thereto.

19. The system of claim 17 wherein said input means.

includes a third input means and wherein one of said input meansprovides data related to temperature measured in said borehole.

1. A method of transmitting a plurality of functions, each containingdata regarding a plurality of parameters, comprising the steps of: a.selecting one of said parameters to serve as a synchronizationparameter; b. converting the portion of said functions not alreadyhaving the characteristics of a frequency-type signal having at leastrepetitive pulses of a given polarity to said frequency-type signal; c.at a transmitting location providing a plurality of transmitting means,at least one each for conducting each respective said function;effecting conduction of said transmitting gating means sequentially inresponse to clocking input pulses comprising the repetitive pulses ofsaid synchronization parameter to effect a cycle; transmitting saidfunctions conducted sequentially through respective said gating means;and generating and effecting transmission of a master synchronizationsignal of opposite polarity after a predetermined number of saidrepetitive pulses of said synchronization parameter complete each cycle;d. at a receiving location spaced from said transmitting location,receiving said functions and signals that were transmitted from saidtransmitting location, discriminating said master synchronizationsignal, and increasing the frequency thereof back to the frequency ofsaid repetitive pulses of said synchronization parameter to form slaverepetitive pulses that are synchronized with said repetitive pulses ofsaid synchronization parameter; and e. providing a plurality ofreceiving gating means, at least one each for receiving said respectivefunctions for said parameters, effecting reception of said functions ineach of said receiving gating means in the same sequence as saidassociated transmitting gating means and in response to said slaverepetitive pulses; conduction of each said gating means being effectedin response to a flip-flop means that is, in turn, responsiverespectively and ultimately to said repetitive pulses of saidsynchronization parameter and said slave repetitive pulses; saidflip-flop means being connected in a ripple arrangement such that iteffects unequal intervals that vary as digital exponential powers of twoin terms of number of clocking input pulses for transmission of each ofsaid functions, a change in condition being provided on a given outputterminal of each of said flip-flop means sequentially, the associatedgating means being rendered conductive in response to said change incondition, and at least one of said flip-flop means that rendersconductive the associated gating means for conducting therethrough theassociated function also simultaneously rendering nonconductive anothergating means to block conduction of another function; whereby nfunctions are transmitted employing n-1 intervals in a cycle andreceived functions are separated and duplicate said original functions.2. The method of claim 1 wherein at least one of said flip-flop meansrendering conductive the associated gating means for conductiontherethrough of said associated function simultaneously rendersnonconductive a plurality of gating means thereby blocking conduction ofa plurality of other functions.
 3. A method of transmitting a pluralityof functions containing data regarding a plurality of parameters,comprising: a. providing at one location a master oscillator means thatprovides at least repetitive pulses of a frequency low enough to enablemeaningful transmission of said functions and a plurality oftransmitting gating means, one each for transmitting respectivefunctions, said functions being related to parameters logged in a wellpenetrating subterranean formations; effecting conduction of saidtransmitting gating means sequentially in response to repetitive pulsesfrom said master oscillator means to effect a cycle and effectingtransmission of a master synchronization signal after each cycle iscompleted; said master oscillator comprising a variable oscillator thatprovides an oscillator output signal that can be varied in frequency toeffect a clocking input of various frequencies for sending downhole andeffecting switching onto a monoline cable of various apparatus measuringrespective parameters downhole; said functions being recorded at thesurface with respect to said oscillator output signal and a depthfunction being simultaneously correlatably recorded; and b. establishingcommunication between said master oscillator, said transmitting gatingmeans and a slave oscillator means and receiving gating means at areceiving location spaced from said one location; receiving, recording,and discriminating said master synchronization signal and maintainingsaid slave oscillator means synchronized with said master oscillatormeans, and effecting reception and recording of said respectivefunctions via respective ones of said receiving gating means in the samesequence as said associated transmitting gating means transmits saidfunctions in response to repetitive pulses from said slave oscillatormeans.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein said oscillator output signalwhich was employed as a synchronization signal is replaced by said depthfunction as the synchronization signal for transmission of the remainingfunctions to another location.
 5. A system for transmitting over amonoline cable a plurality of functions related to a respectiveplurality of parameters measured by apparatus in a downhole tool in awell penetrating subterranean formations, comprising: a. a plurality ofinput means comprising said apparatus measuring said parameters and eachgenerating one of said functions related to a given parameter; saidfunctions that are received at the surface being recorded by a recordingmeans and the function related to depth being simultaneously recorded bysaid recording means; b. a plurality of transmitting gating means, eachconnected respectively with one of said input means and operable into afirst condition for gating through a respective function and into asecond condition for blocking said function in response to afrequency-type synchronization signal having at least repetitive pulsesof a given polarity; c. clocking flip-flop means connected with saidtransmitting gating means so as to render respective ones of saidtransmitting gating means in said first condition in response to saidsynchronization signal and in sequence to complete a cycle; d. amplifiermeans connected with said gating means for transmitting the signals andfunctions gated therethrough; e. a plurality of receiving gating meansspaced from and in communication with said amplifier means for receivingsaid functions gated through associated said transmitting gating meansand operable into a first condition for gating through said functionfrom said associated transmitting gating means and into a secondcondition for blocking said function in response to said synchronizationsignal; f. clocking flip-flop means connected with said receiving gatingmeans so as to render respective ones of said receiving gating means insaid first condition in response to said slave synchronization signaland in the same sequence as the transmitting gating means associatedwith the respective parameter; g. a plurality of output means, eachconnected respectively with one of said receiving gating means forduplicating said original function transmitted from said input meansdownhole; and h. a variable oscillator means connected with saidclocking flip-flop means connected with said transmitting gating meansand with said clocking flip-flop means connected with said receivinggating means for providing a synchronization signal for maintainingsynchronization therebetween.
 6. The system of claim 5 wherein arecorder is connected with said monoline cable for recording pulses fromsaid variable oscillator means and said functions and with a depthfunction generating means for simultaneously recording depth in saidwell; wherein there is provided a second transmitting means comprising:a. a plurality of input means comprising said output means of element g;b. a plurality of transmitting gating means, each connected respectivelywith one of said input means and operable into a first condition forgating through a respective function and into a second condition forblocking said function in response to a frequency-type synchronizationsignal having at least repetitive pulses of a given polarity; c. a depthfunction generating means for effecting a clocking input synchronizationsignal in response to the depth function recorded synchronously withsaid functions; d. clocking flip-flop means connected with said depthfunction generating means and transmitting gating means so as to renderrespective ones of said transmitting gating means in said firstcondition in response to said synchronization signal and in sequence tocomplete a cycle; e. inverter amplifier means for inverting andamplifying said synchronization signal; f. synchronization gating meansconnected at least with said clocking flip-flop means at the terminalthat changes its state of electRical charge no more often than any otherand with said inverter amplifier for sending a master synchronizationsignal after a complete cycle; g. amplifier means connected with saidgating means for transmitting the signals and functions gatedtherethrough; h. discriminating means spaced from but in communicationwith said amplifier means for discriminating said master synchronizationsignal; i. frequency increasing means for increasing the frequency ofsaid master synchronization signal back to the same frequency as saidsynchronization signal to form a slave synchronization signal that issynchronized with said synchronization signal; j. a plurality ofreceiving gating means, each in communication with said amplifier meansfor receiving said functions and signals gated through associated saidtransmitting gating means and operable into a first condition for gatingthrough said function from said associated transmitting gating means andinto a second condition for blocking said function from saidtransmitting gating means in response to said slave synchronizationsignal; k. clocking flip-flop means connected with said receiving gatingmeans so as to render respective ones of said receiving gating means insaid first condition in response to said slave synchronization signaland in the same sequence as the transmitting gating means associatedwith the respective parameters; and l. a plurality of output means, eachconnected respectively with one of said receiving gating means forduplicating said original data.
 7. A system for transmitting a pluralityof functions related to a respective plurality of parameters,comprising: a. a plurality of input means, each for providing a functionrelated to a given parameter; b. a plurality of transmitting gatingmeans, each connected respectively with one of said input means andoperable into a first condition for gating through a function from saidone of said input means and into a second condition for blocking saidfunction from said one of said input means in response to afrequency-type synchronization signal having at least repetitive pulsesof a given polarity; c. clocking input means for effecting saidsynchronization signal; d. clocking flip-flop means connected with saidtransmitting gating means and with said clocking input means so as torender respective ones of said transmitting gating means in said firstcondition in response to said synchronization signal and in sequence tocomplete a cycle; e. inverter amplifier means for inverting andamplifying said synchronization signal; f. synchronization gating meansconnected at least with said clocking flip-flop means at the terminalthat changes its state of electrical charge no more often than any otherand with said inverter amplifier for sending a master synchronizationsignal after a complete cycle; g. amplifier means connected with saidgating means for transmitting the signals gated therethrough; h.discriminating means spaced from but in communication with saidamplifier means for discriminating said master synchronization signal;i. frequency increasing means for increasing the frequency of saidmaster synchronization signal back to the same frequency as saidsynchronization signal to form a slave synchronization signal that issynchronized with said synchronization signal; j. a plurality ofreceiving gating means, each in communication with said amplifier meansfor receiving said functions and signals gated through associated saidtransmitting gating means and operable into a first condition for gatingthrough said function from said associated transmitting gating means andinto a second condition for blocking said function from saidtransmitting gating means in response to said slave synchronizationsignal; k. clocking flip-flop means connected with said receiving gatingmeans so as to render respective ones of said receiving gating means insaid first condition in response To said slave synchronization signaland in the same sequence as the transmitting gating means associatedwith the respective parameters; and l. a plurality of output means, eachconnected respectively with one of said receiving gating means forduplicating said original functions.
 8. The system of claim 7 whereinsaid clocking input means effects said synchronization signal inresponse to one of said functions ultimately relating to one of saidparameters that serves as a synchronization parameter.
 9. The system ofclaim 7 wherein each said clocking flip-flop means has its outputterminals connected with respective input terminals of the nextsucceeding clocking flip-flop means such that it renders said nextsucceeding flip-flop means in readiness to receive and respond to apulse from said clocking input means when said each said clockingflip-flop means is rendered conductive and to inhibit said nextsucceeding clocking flip-flop means when said each said clockingflip-flop means is nonconductive; and said synchronization gating meansis connected with an output terminal of only one of said clockingflip-flop means for generating a master synchronization signal upon thechange of condition on the output terminal of said one clockingflip-flop means, whereby each of said transmitting gating means arerendered conductive sequentially and respectively and said mastersynchronization signal is generated and transmitted after a cycle iscompleted.
 10. The system of claim 7 wherein said clocking flip-flopmeans are connected in a ripple arrangement wherein the output terminalof each said clocking flip-flop means connected with respectively saidtransmitting gating means and said receiving gating means is alsoconnected with the input terminal of the next succeeding clockingflip-flop means for effecting unequal intervals for transmitting saidfunctions, said intervals varying in length as digital exponentialpowers of two in terms of number of clocking input pulses, and at leastone of said clocking flip-flop means is connected to a plurality ofgating means for rendering one of said gating means alternatelyconductive and nonconductive and for rendering the remainder of thegating means to which it is connected alternately nonconductive andconductive, out of phase with one of said gating means.
 11. The systemof claim 10 wherein there are n input means and n output means and atleast one clocking flip-flop means connected with one transmittinggating means and at least one clocking flip-flop means connected withone receiving gating means via one respective output terminal andconnected with (n-1) gating means via another respective output terminaland operable to render conductive and nonconductive said one of saidrespective gating means and to render nonconductive and conductive said(n-1) gating means, out of phase with said one of said respective gatingmeans for alternately conducting one function and blocking the (n-1)remaining functions and vice versa; a second transmitting clockingflip-flop means is connected with a second transmitting gating means anda second receiving clocking flip-flop means is connected with a secondreceiving gating means via one of their respective output terminals andconnected with (n-2) associated gating means via another of theirrespective output terminals and operable to render conductive andnonconductive respective said second gating means and to rendernonconductive and conductive respective said (n-2) gating means, out ofphase with said second gating means for alternately conducting a secondfunction and blocking the (n-2) remaining functions and vice versa; saidrespective second gating means being serially connected with one of said(n-1) gating means and said (n-2) gating means being serially connectedwith the remainder of said (n-1) gating means to effect respectiveseries connected circuits for conducting fuNctions from the respectiveinput means to the respective output means.
 12. The system of claim 7wherein said clocking input means comprises a depth measuring meansaffording output pulses and said functions are related to parametersthat are measured in a borehole penetrating subterranean formations. 13.The system of claim 12 wherein each of said input means comprises ameans for generating and transmitting a function related to a givenparameter measured in said borehole and before said function is operatedon by surface equipment.
 14. The system of claim 7 wherein said clockinginput means comprises a variable oscillator settable to a predeterminedfrequency at the surface and wherein at least said elements a, b, d, e,f, and g are carried in a downhole tool and are employed in transmittingfunctions related to parameters measured in a borehole penetratingsubterranean formations.
 15. The system of claim 7 wherein said gatingmeans comprises a plurality of logic circuits and said clockingflip-flop means comprises a bistable multivibrator.
 16. The system ofclaim 15 wherein the output terminals of each said clocking flip-flopmeans connected with its associated gating means are connected to arespective input terminal on individual logic circuits whose outputterminals are connected through diode means to a feedback conductor;said feedback conductor being connected to the other respective inputterminals of said individual logic circuits and to an inverter amplifierfor generation, inversion, amplification and transmission of a mastersynchronization signal.
 17. The system of claim 7 wherein there are twoinput means and a cycle comprises functions related to two parameters.18. The system of claim 17 wherein said input means comprise means in adownhole tool for measuring parameter related to absorption andbackscatter of gamma rays and to absorption of neutrons and gamma raysemitted in response thereto.
 19. The system of claim 17 wherein saidinput means includes a third input means and wherein one of said inputmeans provides data related to temperature measured in said borehole.